How Do I Contact The Va During An Emergency

[captain soggy]

example: Let' say I have an illness that requires me to go to a civilian hospital ER. How do I contact the VA to let them know I went to the ER and I am being admitted to the hospital for an emergence surgery. I know I am suppose to contact them as soon as possible but what department do I call?

Also should I call the finance dept.so they know they are going to get a billing from the hospital as my only insurance is the VA?

[WAC-Vet75]

The VA doesn't have to pay the military hospital. I agree that you should not either! The military hospital might try getting you to pay a co-payment.

Actually, fee basis is responsible. I'm 100% P&T, since 1993, it was an emergency, and the closest private hospital is 30 minutes away (even with epi-pen, you have to get to the ER within 15 minutes). In the past, when I've been taken to the Army hospital, as an emergency, the VA picked up the tab, for the reasons I stated.

38 USC 1725, plus I am in receipt of the letter which outlines the VAMC's requirements.

Edited March 14, 2011 by WAC-Vet75

[Pete53]

My brother went to Army Hospital in El Paso for emergency treatment until one day they made him wait in ambulance withering in pain for 11 hours and than sent him home. The ambulance attendants told my sister in law that she would have to provide the service that the VA was not going to do it. He never went back to the hospital and was dead 2 weeks later.

[stillhere]

stillhere - the question did not mention anything about a SC condition.

pr

Pr,

I posted that because I did not want any vet thinking that you have to be over a certain % to get ER care as your post could have been construed.

[captain soggy]

I am the original poster of this topic. I am glade to see so many replies especially from you guys that have been on the front lines with this issue. Based on what I have read so far I thank I will buy a catastrophic health plan. It has a high deductible up front and will cost me some money but I thank the peace of mind will be well worth it,knowing that if I have my second heart attack I can just go to my local hospital,which does open heart procedures,get fixed up and be done with it.No frustrations and fighting with the VA to pay for the treatment might save me from having a third heart attack.Oh well, I really didn't need that new camero convertible anyway.LOL.